Road Test: In-Salon vs. At-Home Treatments

Should you splurge on the salon treatment or go the do-it-yourself route? Find out which treatments should be done by a pro -- and which ones you should attempt at home

Chemical peel If your skin needs major resurfacing, then Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, suggests seeing a dermatologist. However, for instant brightening and softening, many of the at-home versions work just as well as a peel you'd get at a spa. My personal favorite is Bliss That's Incredi-Peel, $49, which contains a blend of glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acids in a pad. Unlike most peels, you don't have to wash off the formula after 10 minutes -- you can actually sleep with it on and the ingredients release over time.

Our verdict: See a doctor if you're looking for drastic results; an at-home version works well if you're just looking for a little extra glow.

Keratin Perfect may not be any good--never tried it myself-- but don't assume all DIY keratins are bad. I've tried about eight--some were crap, but I actually think Uncurly is better than the Brazilian Blowouts I used to pay $400 for and I think it costs me around $25 per use. I would say Keratin Earth, Pravana, and whatever Sally's brand is called were a waste, but Uncurly and Global were successful for me. A few more whose names I don't recall were so-so--not great, but not as bad as you're describing Keratin Perfect to be. If your hair's like mine--thick, too curly/wavy, and a frizz disaster in humidity--keratin is NOT optional and money IS limited, so you need to be able to do it yourself.